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The right power bank size depends on what you’re charging and how long you’ll be away from an outlet. Here’s a simple way to choose without overpaying for capacity you’ll never use.
Match capacity to your need
| Use case | Recommended capacity | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Topping up a phone during the day | 5,000–10,000 mAh | 1–2 phone charges, pocketable |
| All-day travel / one phone | 10,000–20,000 mAh | 2–5 charges, still airline-friendly |
| Multiple devices / weekend trip | 20,000–26,800 mAh | Phone + earbuds + tablet |
| Laptop / camping / off-grid | 25,000 mAh+ with USB-C PD | Higher wattage output needed |
Don’t just look at mAh
- Output wattage (USB-C PD): to fast-charge a phone you want 20 W+; for laptops, 60–100 W.
- Real charges are lower than the label — expect roughly 70–85% efficiency. Our Power Bank Calculator shows the realistic number for your device.
- Air travel: stay under 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh) to avoid airline approval. See power banks on a plane.
Once you know your target capacity, browse current options: See Power Banks on Amazon.